I've decided to take on the number 2 Japanese company in the C-Verse: Pride Glory Honor Wrestling (Henceforth known as PGHW) and try to take the number five company in the world and turn them into an international phenomenon. Welcome to...

Pride Glory Honor Wrestling

Before I begin, I'll lay out the company setup and then the roster going into the first tour of 2013. PGHW is, in fact, a touring company of cult size, operating out of the Kinki region of Japan. It's months of operation are March-May, July-September, and November-December. We will run a maximum of 2 shows a week: Touring shows will be on Monday and/or Thursday. The monthly PPV shows will take up one of the touring shows each month. PGHW has a 1 hour tv show: "The King's Road", which airs Tuesday evenings on Japanese Sports Vision 2. Being a touring company, this show is a highlights package of action from our touring shows, rather than live entertainment.

I have taken on the avatar of Sadaharu Jimbo, the true owner of PGHW, age 71. I will use him as a color commentator and road agent. We will carry on the physically punishing puro style that PGHW is known for and carry it to new heights in the future.

Going into the first tour, I have 5 contracted workers that are under developmental deals with my child company Pro Wrestling SAISHO:

-Acid II - A 22 year old worker carrying on the Acid name who was signed in February of 2013, which is famous in Japanese circles. PGHW has jumped on him, signing him and hoping to mold him into a star for the future
-Goemon Komiya - A 27 year old prospect who was targeted early on by PGHW and has spent the last 6 years in SAISHO honing his skills and waiting for his chance to have an impact
-Hirobumi Takimoto - A 19 year old who graduated the PGHW Dojo and then signed in February 2013. He's a 275 lb. Heavyweight and if he puts his considerable skills together he has a future star written all over him
-Kadonomaru Kamisaka - A 23 year old puro prospect that was signed in February of 2013, he's got the in-ring skills in spades but his charisma and speaking skills are likely to be a deterrent...unless he figures it out, then the sky's the limit
-Omezo Shikitei - A 23 year old amateur wrestler who has caught PGHW's attention and was signed in February 2013. His background is legit, but he's got to figure out the entertainment side of the game. If his time in SAISHO pays off, he will hit the ground running

Now for the current PGHW Roster, as of the first tour in March:

Akinori Kwakami - 31 - A dojo trained member of the roster that has found his footing as the current tag team partner of main eventer Mito Miwa. Now is time for him to break out and be his own man

Alexander Robinson - 40 - Teamed with Lee Bennett to be the top Gaijin team of the first generation of PGHW

Chojiro Kitoaji - 25 - the son of 3x PGHW Glory Crown holder (and top PGHW Road Agent) Koryusai Kitoaji, he is currently Glory Crown tag champion with Bussho as they blaze a trail to the top together

Danger Kumasaka - 59 - The self-professed "Sage" of PGHW, he's been around so long, and survived so many wars, that fans, workers, and the owner himself are starting to wonder if he really is timeless

Eien Miyamoto - 26 - A dojo graduate, who is 3 years into his tenure on the roster but has yet to really have a true breakout moment

Eisaku Kunomasu - 42 - "The Lord of Strong Style", he is one of the pillars upon wich PGHW was built, and even at his age and the wars he's been through, he's still chugging along as one of the backs carrying the company

Haranobu Kobayashi - 20 - One of the hot young prospects in Japanese wrestling, being one of the few true Japanese heavyweights, PGHW scooped him up and bypassed the usual developmental contract, bringing him directly on the main roster where he can hopefully improve his skills rapidly

Kazushige Matsuki - 27 - An amateur boxer who came into the PGHW dojo system and graduated onto the main roster in 2004, he's never found major success but has been a solid hand on the roster

KC Glenn - 21 - A young American that's currently on a very rarely awarded (for a Gaijin) touring contract, the rumors are this is a tryout for a full contract with the company

Kozue Kawashima - 30 - The talk amongst the company is this is the man that will break through as the "New Generation Ace". He has the pedigree being the one and only protege of Mito Miwa, he's got the accolades: being a 3x Elite Series Tag Champion, 1x Glory Tag Crown holder (all with PRIDE Koiso), 1x Elite Series Champion and the current holder of the Glory Crown. But he still hasn't taken the mantle as the top guy in PGHW...the question is when will he?

Lee Bennett - 43 - See Alexander Robinson

Masaru Ugaki - 27 - Protege of the great Yoshimi Mushashibo he's being kept on a deliberate trajectory, to prepare the crowd to accept on on his eventual break out

Mito Miwa - 39 - The "Pride Warrior" is one of the 5 point stars of the first generation of PGHW. His age is not indicative of the wear and tear on his body as he is already past his prime. He's still an important part of the roster but his days of carrying the company are gone

Nobuatsu Tatsuko - 42 - The "Iron Man of PGHW" earned that distinction from his legendary stamina and resilience, allowing him to put on some of the best 60 minute draws in Japanese history. His time at the top is over but he's not willing to just hand his spot over without a fight

Noriyori Sanda - 34 - Tatsuko's current partner, a bulked up former junior that wants to prove he can make it in PGHW, but the feeling is that while his skills are there management hasn't been sold on him yet

PRIDE Koiso - 36 - Don't let his age fool you. PRIDE is a late bloomer, that is a part of the second (relatively) more conservative generation of PGHW. As such, he has none of the wear and tear of his age contemporaries. His rise as mirrored Kozue as they have partnered on their way up the card and are budding rivals: PRIDE having also held the Glory Crown and being one of only five men to be a 2x Elite Series Champion. The race to stake a claim at being the "New Generation Ace" isn't over by a long shot

Raymond Diaz - 36 - Arguably the top Gaijin in all of Japan, he was legendary already with his tag partner Lee Wright as 5x Glory Tag Crown holders and 3x Elite Tag Series champions. Diaz cemented his reputation as a singles worker by becoming the first foreigner to win the Elite Series, in 2008

Ryoma Muruyama - 33 - Masaru Ugaki's regular tag partner, he is expected to fall by the wayside once Ugaki's ascension begins, but don't tell him that because he expects to find his own success and break out too. He just needs a shot

SATO - 21 - A developmental project that graduated from SAISHO to PGHW in February 2013, he's a young South Korean with talent to spare, but he's got to find a place on the roster firs

Seiji Jimbo - 24 - The nephew of the owner of the company and the protege of Eisaku Kunomasu, there's NO doubt that Seiji is going to get all the resources to succeed. The question is will he wait his turn to lead his generation, or will he jump the line and steal the Acedom away now?

Shuji Inukai - 41 - Known as "The Untouchable" He carried the company with Yoshimi Mushashibo for a decade. Since 2006, he's systematically broken down from injuries due to the punishment he put himself through but he's still one of the most popular workers on the roster

Simon Flemmingway - 28 - A solid gaijin jobber at this point, he'll have to put in the work to break out, with the 3rd generation of workers coming up

Stone Yoshikawa - 31 - A foreign excursion to NOTBPW saw Yoshikawa take the "Stone" name as his own and his vow to carry their legacy in the East. He dominated SAISHO till his 2010 call-up. Now it's time to make his name on the main roster

Tanyu Toshusai - 23 - A true coup for PGHW, the nephew of BHOWTG/BCG legend Yoshinaka Toshusai was signed up by PGHW in February 2013 and brought directly onto the main roster. He will pay his dues, but once it's done, he's got the pedigree to be a superstar

Tetsunori Yasuda - 28 - A protege of Eisaku Hoshimo (arguably the Ace of PGHW till his abrupt departure in 2006), Yasuda has fought to cut his way through the supposed politics. He seemed on his way when he made the 2009 Elite Series Semifinals, but he has stalled and the questions have only grown louder if any branch on Hoshimo's tree can succeed in PGHW

Torch Nakazawa - 28 - A junior with distinctive red hair and a true junior style, the wonder is how long will it be before Torch goes to a company that fits his skill set better

Totoya Munakata - 26 - "The Blood Fighter" due to his red hair and surprising striking ability (considering his lightweight status), he toiled away in SAISHO for 6 years before joining the main roster last year. Now he continues to work, this time to prove his worth on the roster

William Hayes - 33 - One of the few Gaijin given a touring contract by PGHW, back in 2003, he proved himself worth a full contract and has made a good living for himself ever since

Yoshimi Mushashibo - 37 - The Ace of PGHW, and maybe the finest wrestler of his generation, there's nothing Yoshimi hasn't done (multiple times) and doesn't look likely to be done at the top of the card any time soon. His next Glory Crown victory is a matter of when, not if

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

March in PGWH brings the most prestigious show on the calendar: Night of PRIDE, which features the finals of the Sixteenth Elite Series. The full details of the Series will be announced soon, but first up is the entry list for the tournament

Pre-Show Angle: Introducing the A Block of the 2013 Elite SeriesKozue Kawashima Glory Crown Title Holder (2010 Elite Series Winner) - Kozue has held the Glory Crown since December 2011 but he's still looking for that moment that he can break away from the pack of his own generation and begin his assault on making the entire company his ownEisaku Kunomasu (2011 Elite Series Winner) - The last of the 1st Generation to get his turn, Eisaku has watched all of his contemporaries take their turn, and batter their bodies to get there. Being one of the few with the popularity and the ability to back that up in the ring, Eisaku has to act now to become one of the legends of PGHWShuji Inukai (2003, 2007 Elite Series Winner) - One of the five multiple time winners of the Elite Series, Inukai's legacy is already cemented. He hasn't been his best, since the 2007 Elite Series, but he wants to prove that his ability is still top classRaymond Diaz (2008 Elite Series Winner) - The top Gaijin in all of Japan (arguably), Diaz will always have a seat at the table at the Elite Series. With this much firepower in his block, though, Diaz' role in the tournament might be as a spoilerMasaru Ugaki - Ugaki is getting his chance to shine in the stacked A Block. This is his opportunity to turn some heads in the company and prove he is ready for the next step in his evolutionPRIDE Koiso (2009, 2012 Elite Series Winner) - If Kozue is still looking to prove himself as the Ace-in-waiting, it's because PRIDE Koiso won't let that debate end. They will have to put their partnership aside, and fight it out between each other to put that debate to rest. Their first chance is here, during the Elite SeriesChojiro Kitoaji - Glory Crown Tag Title Co-Holder - Chojiro gets his first taste of the big time. Not much is expected of him in this tournament but that doesn't mean he's not dangerousRyoma Muruyama - The impression is that once again, Ryoma is riding Ugaki's coattails, in getting one of the 16 precious invites to the Elite Series. Ryoma clearly doesn't believe that and he's going to use this opportunity to open the eyes that don't see him
Rating: B- (72)

Pre-Show Angle:Introducing the B Block of the 2013 Elite SeriesYoshimi Mushashibo (2001, 2006 Elite Series Winner) - The Ace of PGHW gets to watch the carnage of A Block from here, though he does have plenty of pitfalls and mine traps to avoid. He has to be considered the clear favorite to win B Block, thoughMito Miwa (2004 Elite Series Winner) - Though his best days are long past, there is always the hope that Miwa can turn the clock back for 4 weeks and have the tournament of his life. That may be wishful thinking, howeverAkinori Kwakami - Kwakami has become a known commodity in PGHW, but that's been at the side of his long-time partner Mito Miwa. The questions have always been about whether Akinori is a product of that environment or can he do it on his own. Being in the same block as Miwa, and the Ace of the company, may give us some of the answers to those questions. Sooner rather than laterTetsunori Yasuda - We've all heard the rumors. Nobody connected to Eisaku Hoshino will ever amount to anything, in PGHW, ever again. But Yasuda has scratched and clawed for everything he's gotten and now he's arrived at the door of the Elite Series. Will he break through and prove himself as a worthy successor to the Hoshino legacy, or will the "Curse of Hoshino" rear it's head and cost Yasuda everything?Nobuatsu Tatsuko (2005 Elite Series Winner) - The man who used to be known as the "Iron Man" is nothing but a rusted shell of that former glory. But, like with his old rival Miwa, there is the hope that he may be able to turn back the clock one more time and give us a glimpse at that former greatnessSeiji Jimbo - Reigning PGHW International Champion - If anyone expects to have a break out moment in this tournament it's Seiji Jimbo. He makes his debut on the Elite Series stage, and he expects nothing less than total domination of all the faded stars and false usurpers to his birth right. He WILL be the man that carries PGHW into the next generation, and beyond. And it begins nowBryan Holmes - The old Gaijin war horse hasn't seen the same heights as fellow Gaijin Raymond Diaz but he has proven himself, such as being a former International champion. He is in the same block as the man who took that title from him, in Seiji Jimbo, and getting a win over him would likely give him the opportunity to take back what was hisBussho Makiguchi - Glory Crown Tag Title Co-Holder - Like his tag partner Chojiro, Bussho is in uncharted waters in this tournament. But it is certainly a moment where he can sink back into the depths of the ocean of talent looking for a shot in PGHW, or he can rise to the moment and break through into the next tier of talent. This will be a defining moment in the careers of Bussho and Chojiro, and their responses will tell us a lot about where they go from here
Rating: C- (56)

Live Show

The Announce Team of Keiji Takeda, Sosa Mori, and Sadaharu Jimbo welcomes the audience to beginning of the Elite Series, and hypes the matches for Day One
Rating: C (61)

Intermission
The Announce team recaps matches 1 and 2: The battle of Masaru and Ryoma went the way that was anticipated, with Masaru looking ready to break out in a singles run, while the second match sees Bryan Holmes get his win back on Seiji Jimbo, and put himself right back in the discussion of challenging for the International title
Rating: C (62)

The announcers recap matches 3 and 4: Akinori ties Bussho up in knots, and even if he and Miwa don't get a result in the tournament, you'd imagine they have the first claim at a Glory Tag Crown bout with the champions Bussho and Chojiro. Following that Yasuda gets a HUGE victory over Nobuatsu, and getting such a big win on day one may help build some faith in the still young competitor
Rating: C+ (67)

The announcers preview matches 6 and 7: Eisaku and Shuji come together for a battle of the First Generation that will create early separation in the tournament. After that, is Raymond Diaz vs. Chojiro Kitoaji: The young Chojiro has a huge legacy to fill (his father won the first two Elite Series) and he draws Diaz first, a very formidable challenge. It would be pretty fair if he lost his first match, here
Rating: C+ (70)

The announce team previews main event matches: Yoshimi vs. Mita and Kozue vs. PRIDE. What most prognosticators feel are the four favorites in the tournament are meeting up on the first day, at full strength, to lay an early claim at the Elite Series title
Rating: B- (71)

A Block Match: Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Shuji Inukai
Eisaku (11:18) via Kunomasu Vice
If there was any doubt who is trending up and who is trending down, in the first generation, let a result like this be no mistake. Eisaku will be a force in this tournament
Rating: B (79)

A Block Match: Raymond Diaz vs. Chojiro Kitoaji
Chojiro (6:46) via Kitoaji Lariat
The young Kitoaji pulls off a massive upset, catching Diaz with his Kitoaji Lariat to put himself on the map
Rating: C (60)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Mito Miwa
Miwa (13:02) via Amphora Stretch
Yoshimi got a bad draw, getting the fresh Mito Miwa. He comes out and gets the 2 points he HAS to get, to have a chance in this tournament
Rating: B (80)

A Block Match: Kozue Kawashima vs. PRIDE Koiso
PRIDE (14:18) via Running Koiso Kutter
The battle of partners goes to PRIDE, as he strikes a blow upon the holder of the Glory Crown and gets a big leg up on the A Block competitors
Rating: B (82)

After the match, PRIDE takes the mic and praises Kozue for bringing the best out of him, yet again. He is fortunate to have gotten the win but he's not going to let that opportunity pass him by. He guarantees that having beaten the Glory Crown Champion, he WILL win the Elite Series and become the next Glory Crown Champion
Rating: B (82)

Intermission
The announcers recap matches 1 and 2: Shuji gets on the board, by stopping Kitoaji cold after his day one upset. Ryoma puts up a great performance against the 2x Elite Series winner, but PRIDE takes him down to get to 4 points in A Block and solidify his early position
Rating: C (63)

The announcers recap matches 3 and 4: Akinori goes to 4 points by beating Tatsuko and making it known that he is an actual contender in B Block. Yasuda and Seiji tear up the joint in their match, with both guys going all-out to get the 2 points and, more importantly, make their names be known. It's hard to say they both didn't accomplish the latter goal, but Yasuda accomplished the former, picking up the two points to stay out in front in B Block
Rating: C (65)

The announce team previews second half matches 6 and 7: Yoshimi Mushashibo facing young upstart Bussho Makiguchi in a match that Bussho wants to not just push Yoshimi to his limits, but put the world on notice that he has arrived, while Yoshimi has to put the disappointment of day one behind him if he wants to continue his ascent back to his rightful position as Ace of PGHW. Mito Miwa and Bryan Holmes follow them, as Miwa looks to consolidate his important day one win and Holmes wanting to stake a claim to a spot in the upper echelon of PGHW by beating one of it's most beloved workers
Rating: C- (58)

Finally, the announcers preview the main event matches: Glory Crown Holder Kozue Kawashima looks to get on the board against Raymond Diaz, who could use a win tonight to stake claim to the one honor that has eluded him in his PGHW career, the Glory Crown. Lastly, Masaru Ugaki gets the stage to show the world what he has against "The Lord of Strong Style" and Eisaku Kunomasu is no man's launching pad. Can the young protege of Yoshimi make it a banner night for the lineage of Mushashibo, by taking the main event of day two?
Rating: C+ (69)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Bussho Makiguchi
Yoshimi (7:06) via Yoshimi Lock
Bussho had no designs on rolling over for Yoshimi, and he put his heart and soul into this match. It just wasn't enough as Yoshimi calmly took all of the offense and then got Bussho into the Yoshimi Lock, as Yoshimi continues his climb back to reclaiming his spot as the Ace of PGHW
Rating: B+ (84)

Raymond Diaz celebrates after the match, making it clear that he is now in line for Kozue's Glory Crown, regardless of the results of the tournament
Rating: B- (76)

A Block Match: Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Masaru Ugaki
Eisaku (10:34) via Kunomasu Vice
Masaru puts up a strong showing, and it certainly looks like he won't wilt away after his day one triumph, but Eisaku is the dark horse in the race for the Acedom for a reason, and The Lord of Strong Style will not bow down easily to anybody
Rating: B (77)

Kunomasu speaks after the match, telling the crowd that he is ready to claim the Elite Series again, and this time he will take the Glory Crown and finally cement his legacy at the top of PGHW and that will be that
Rating: C (61)

Intermission
The announce team recaps matches 1 and 2: Shuji continues the rough debut for Ryoma in the Elite Series by finishing him off with the Untouchable Lariat. Akinori's Elite series hits a bump of turbulence on it's upward trajectory with Bryan Holmes taking the two points here
Rating: C+ (67)

The announcers recap matches 3 and 4: Raymond Diaz firmly has found his footing and then some, as he breaks the perfect record of Eisaku with a convincing victory, while Nobuatsu breaks the seal on his Elite Series by keeping the debutante Bussho locked at 0 points
Rating: C- (57)

The announcers preview matches 6 and 7: Glory Crown Holder Kozue Kawashima is staring the abyss in the face, as Masaru Ugaki could end his tournament early if he puts Kozue in a 0-3 hole with 6 points up on the champ. Meanwhile, Miwa and Yasuda battle to become the first man to 6 points in B Block and to take firm command in the race to the Elite Series Final Match
Rating: C+ (68)

Finally, the announce team previews main event matches: PRIDE Koiso, protege of Nobuatsu Tatsuko takes on Chojiro Kotoaji, son of the legendary Koryusai Kotoaji. If ever does Chojiro want to announce his arrival on the scene, winning a match like this would do just that. In the main event, another massive matchup: The Ace of the 1st Generation of PGHW Yoshimi Mushashibo takes on the bloodline of PGHW itself, as Seiji Jimbo challenges in the main event. Yoshimi is expected to win, but this match may end up being about what Seiji shows the audience, and how far away from the top tier of PGHW he is. His spirit and growth is maybe more important than the result
Rating: B- (71)

A Block Match: Kozue Kawashima vs. Masaru Ugaki
Kozue (11:03) via Kawashima Driver 2005
Kozue finally gets it together, as he keeps himself in the conversation of winning the tournament by putting down the upstart Ugaki and staying within 4 points of PRIDE
Rating: B (79)

B Block Match: Mito Miwa vs. Tetsunori Yasuda
Miwa (8:53) via Pride Bomber
Miwa is doing everything he can to turn the clock back, though his quality is obviously fading as the tournament carries on, he is able to sneak through and hold off the young Yasuda to take a tenuous control of B Block
Rating: D+ (51)

A Block Match: PRIDE Koiso vs. Chojiro Kitoaji
PRIDE (12:49) via Running Koiso Kutter
What a match this was, with Chojiro not just standing toe-to-toe with PRIDE Koiso, but pushing him back for stretches. The big match experience of PRIDE is what allowed him to carry the day though, and he avoids the Kitoaji Lariat to win with a Running Koiso Kutter
Rating: B+ (84)

PRIDE speaks after the match, reminding everyone that he beat Kozue on Day One, and leading the A Block he will take his momentum all the way to the finals and win the Elite Series
Rating: B (78)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Seiji Jimbo
Yoshimi (11:24) via Yoshimi Lock
Not to be outdone, Seiji Jimbo's own coming out party is in full effect, as while he hasn't seen the results on the board yet, he's definitely making people take notice: His future is bright and not so far off. The present, though, still belongs to Yoshimi and he's definitely starting to look back in the saddle
Rating: B (80)

Yoshimi takes the mic after the main event declares himself the top guy in B Block, even with Mito ahead with 6 points. He will close the gap, he will pass Miwa and anyone else in his way, and they will all know that wih his full strength he is the favorite to win the Elite Series
Rating: C+ (69)

The announcers recap matches 1 and 2: Yasuda continues to look strong, picking up his 3rd win in the tournament, as those doubts about whether he can stick at this level are fading away by the day, the concern is more for Bussho now, who hasn't really found his footing through four days, though his performances are looking strong. The second match had Nobuatsu get the win, but it's obvious that he's hitting the wall physically, and it's a wonder if he'll be able to keep up the pace. This has to be a disappointment for Holmes, who had a good chance to keep pace with the leaders and let it slip away
Rating: C (61)

The announcers then recap matches 3 and 4: Masaru gets a big win against Raymond Diaz, who seems to be squandering the moment he's had in his big wins, by not consolidating the wins he should get while Masaru keeps close to the leaders by picking up the 2 points. Meanwhile, Seiji Jimbo gets dragged through the mud by the veteran Miwa. The wear and tear of the tournament is clearly showing on Miwa but he's determined to pull out the tournament, and finds a way to push ahead to 8 points
Rating: C+ (67)

The announce team previews matches 6 and 7: Miwa's protege Akinori is looking to double his mentor's success by beating Yoshimi and striking a possibly fatal blow to Yoshimi's hopes of winning the Elite Series. PRIDE Koiso is then looking to create his own unassailable lead in A Block by beating Shuji to keep his record perfect, while Shuji looks to tie himself with PRIDE at the top of the block with 6 points each
Rating: B- (71)
The announcers finally preview main event matches: Kozue Kawashima looks to get a chance to pick up a free win on Ryoma Muruyama, but maybe the plucky Ryoma will figure it out. The main event will see Chojiro Kotoaji in the final match for the second straight day, this time facing Eisaku Kunomasu. It will be interesting to see if he can parlay his excellent performance yesterday into results today
Rating: B- (74)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Akinori Kwakami
Yoshimi (9:29) via Yoshimi Lock
Akinori is not his protege, and while he gives it his all, Yoshimi is not even pretending like he has margin for error. Now is the time for him to lock it into place and make the push for the finals
Rating: B (80)A Block Match: Shuji Inukai vs. PRIDE Koiso
Shuji (8:25) via Untouchable Lariat
PRIDE's perfect record is snapped, and Shuji pulls into a tie at the top of A Block
Rating: D+ (51)A Block Match: Kozue Kawshima vs. Ryoma Muruyama
Kozue (12:51) via Kawashima Driver 2005
Ryoma is quite spry and gives this a go, but the Glory Crown Holder is D-O-N-E with the games. He is locked and loaded
Rating: B- (76)

Kozue claims that his first two losses have renewed his focus. He is back and ready to win the Elite Series, and he hopes to get another shot at both PRIDE and Raymond to prove his strength as the holder of the Glory Crown
Rating: B (78)

A Block Match: Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Chojiro Kitoaji
Eisaku (15:30) via Kunomasu Vice
Kitoaji puts in another great performance and he even hits Eisake with the Kitoaji Lariat, but Eisaku survives it and eventually ties Chojiro up and taps him out
Rating: B (81)

Eisaku closes the show reiterating that he is going to prove the strength of both himself and the 1st generation by winning his second Elite Series and then finally claiming the Glory Crown
Rating: C (61)

Pre-Show Angle: Running a new video package recapping the A Block of the 2013 Elite Series with current records and footage from the early days' action
Rating: B- (72)Pre-Show Angle: Running a new video package recapping the B Block of the 2013 Elite Series with current records and footage from the early days' action
Rating: C- (57)

Live Show

The announce team of Keiji Takea, Sosa Morri, and Sadaharu Jimbo open the show hyping the card, and especially the main event of Kozue Kawashima taking on Chojiro Kitoaji
Rating: C+ (69)

The announce team recaps matches 1 and 2: Masaru Ugaki pulling a pretty major upset, beating Shuji Inukai and giving himself a faint opportunity to stay in the tournament. Then we see two guys that are fading in the tournament, but Miwa clearly hitting a big wall as he can't get the win that likely would have clinched B Block for him
Rating: C+ (70)

The announcers recap matches 3 and 4: Akinori claiming a much needed win over Yasuda, which keeps him at pace with the leaders of B Block while Seiji Jimbo wins the battle of the winless, and with his first 2 points under his belt, may be able to salvage something out of this tournament
Rating: B- (71)

The announce team previews matches 5 and 6: Eisaku Kunomasu looks to continue his assault on A Block by beating Ryoma Muruyama, while PRIDE Koiso can take a strangle hold on the block by beating Raymond Diaz
Rating: C+ (66)

The announcers then preview main event matches: Yoshimi Mushashibo battles Bryan Holmes with a chance to claw back to even in B Block, while Chojiro Kotoaji gets his second straight night in the main event, this time taking on Kozue Kawahima. Both men have really found their footing in the Elite Series over the last few shows, but while Kotoaji is fighting for respect, Kozue is fighting to claim the top spot in A Block. The question will be who's spirit stands strongest?
Rating: B- (74)

A Block Match: Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Ryoma Muruyama
Eisaku (10:36) via Kunomasu Vice
Eisaku fights off the strong challenge of Ryoma and claims at least a share of the A Block lead with his decisive victory
Rating: B (81)

A Block Match: Raymond Diaz vs. PRIDE Koiso
Diaz (8:09) via Ray Gun
And Diaz tightens up the standings of A Block, as he chops down another of the top players, this time PRIDE Koiso
Rating: C+ (70)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Bryan Holmes
Yoshimi (14:10) via Yoshimi Lock
Yoshimi is finally rounding into form, and with no time left to spare. He has pulled even with Miwa and the two seem to be on opposite trajectories
Rating: B- (74)

A Block Match: Kozue Kawashima vs. Chojiro Kitoaji
Kozue (15:31) via Kawashima Driver 2005
Again, Chojiro comes so close to picking up a second marquee win that he desperately craves (afer upsetting Diaz on Day One), but that victory will not come at the expense of the Holder of the Glory Crown, as Kozue pushes the challenge of Kitoaji back and ends things with the Kawashima Driver 2005
Rating: B (81)

Kozue Kawashima gets the microphone to end the show an as the crowd chants for him he tells them he has three things to say:

1). It's Kawashima-san
2). Chojiro Kotoaji gave him a great effort and it is very clear that he is a talented wrestler and his future is bright. But it will always be eclipsed by the talent of Kozue Kawashima
3). PRIDE Koiso and Raymond Diaz were fortunate enough to face Kozue at the beginning of the tournament because he will not lose again. And he is fully confident going into his match with Eisaku. And once he has that victory under his belt, the Elite Series will be his. Then he will rectify his losses to PRIDE and Diaz, because he is the man upon which the future of PGHW shall forever rest
Rating: B (80)

Pre-Show Angle: Running the video package recapping the A Block of the 2013 Elite Series with current records and footage from the early days' action
Rating: B- (73)Pre-Show Angle: Running the video package recapping the B Block of the 2013 Elite Series with current records and footage from the early days' action
Rating: C (60)

Live Show

The announce team of Keiji Takea, Sosa Morri, and Sadaharu Jimbo open the show hyping the card, and especially the main event of Kozue Kawashima taking on Eisaku Kunomasu
Rating: B- (72)

Announcers recap matches 1 and 2: It might be too little, too late to win the Elite Series, but Seiji Jimbo is announcing his arrival on the scene, as a major player, by crippling Akinori's chances at winning, while Chojiro and Ryoma tear the place up, and Kitoaji is showing, yet again that while this tournament might have been more than he was ready for, when he is ready things in PGHW will change, whether it wants to or not
Rating: C (61)

Announcers recap matches 3 and 4: Mito Miwa's ship is taking on water fast, and his insurmountable lead is now shockingly surmountable, as he suffers a major upset at the hands of Makiguchi. It also might be time to revisit Perhaps it's time to revist the "Curse of Hoshino", as Yasuda is a step closer to winning the B Block, after beating Bryan Holmes in a great match
Rating: C+ (66)

Announcers preview matches 6 and 7: Masaru Ugaki and PRIDE Koiso meet in a vital match for both guys to keep their destinies in their own hands going into the final day of the tournament. After that is Yoshimi Mushashibo and Nobuatsu Tatsuko in a first generation battle that will have far reaching ramifications for the final day, as well
Rating: B- (71)

Announcers preview main event matches: Shuji Inukai and Raymond Diaz meet up an a very important match, where the winner is very likely in control of their own destiny going into the final day, while Kozue Kawashima faces Eisaku Kunomasu. Kawashima's route to the Elite Series MUST go through Kunomasu, while Eisaku still has a path to the Elite Series crown, without a win. Don't tell that to Eisaku though because he doesn't just want to win, he wants total domination. And that demands a win here tonight
Rating: B- (74)

A Block Match: Masaru Ugaki vs. PRIDE Koiso
PRIDE (8:41) via Running Koiso Kutter
Masaru gave his all and his very best, but on this night with this much at stake it wasn't enough because PRIDE is just too much for him
Rating: B+ (83)

B Block Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko
Nobuatsu (5:40) via Tatsuko Driller
Nobuatso pulls off the huge upset, and sets himself up in prime position to win B Block, while Yoshimi's hopes very well may be dashed, as he couldn't keep his momentum going
Rating: D (42)

A Block Match: Shuji Inukai vs. Raymond Diaz
Diaz (12:19) via Ray Gun
Raymond Diaz takes full control of A Block, having beaten each of Shuji, PRIDE, Eisaku and Kozue. All Diaz need do on the final day is win his match and the A Block is his
Rating: B- (75)

Raymond Diaz wastes no time zeroing in on that fact, as he lets the crowd know he owns A Block and there is nothing that anyone can do to keep him from becoming the first Gaijin to win the Elite Series twice
Rating: C+ (69)

A Block Match: Kozue Kawashima vs. Eisaku Kunomasu
Kozue (16:57) via Kawashima Driver 2005
Kozue keeps his hopes of winning the A Block alive, by digging deep to pull this much needed 2 points out, and now everything is up in the air going into the final day
Rating: B+ (83)

Kozue Kawashima gets the microphone to end the show for the second night in a row, and as the crowd chants for him he tells them he has three things to say:

1). It's Kawashima-san
2). Kawashima is proud this match, being able to beat one of the valued senpai of PGHW, but it should be clear now their time has passed and it's time for the new generation to step up to take their place
3). Kawashima puts all the debates to rest. The Glory Crown is his. The Elite Series will soon be his again, and each and every challenger to his reign from here on out will be dispatched, because he is the man upon which the future of PGHW shall forever rest
Rating: B+ (86)

Pre-Show Angle: Our announcers discuss the finals and the possible outcomes: In A Block, any of Raymond Diaz, PRIDE Koiso, Kozue Kawashima, or Eisaku Kunomasu can win, in that order. In B Block Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo, Nobuatsu Tatsuko, or Tetsunori Yasuda could all win, depending the results of the matches
Rating: C (64)

Live Show

Introducing the A Block of the 2013 Elite Series, laying out the records and highlights for each member
Rating: C+ (69)

Introducing the B Block of the 2013 Elite Series, laying out the records and highlights for each member
Rating: C (60)

The announce team of Keiji Takeda, Sosa Morri, and Sadaharu Jimbo open the show highlighting the main event, that being the final match of the 2013 Elite Series
Rating: B- (73)

PRIDE Koiso celebrates his hard-fought victory, and his conquering the A Block. His reward: A date with Yoshimi Mushashibo in the Elite Series Final Match
Rating: B (79)

Intermission

The announcers recap matches 1 and 2: Bussho Makiguchi makes good at the end of the tournament, picking up a strong victory over Bryan Holmes, while Nobuatsu Tatsuko has his tournament ruined by the International Champion, as Seiji Jimbo claims his biggest victory of the Elite Series
Rating: C (61)

The announcers recap matches 3 and 4: The dream of Tetsunori Yasuda of following in his mentor's footsteps are dashed by the man who stood toe to toe with Eisaku Hoshino, as Yoshimi put himself into position to win the block. That came to fruition as Mito Miwa's collapse was completed, as Miwa falls to his tag partner. Akinori has shown himself to be ready to take a spot at the table of the singles competitors of PGHW...but is he taking Miwa's spot?
Rating: B- (71)

The announce team recaps matches 5 and 6: The story of Kitoaji's tournament is told in this match; he has all the talent and skills but it's just not his time yet. He has to learn how to win, but once he does the world of PGHW is going to be rocked. Then Raymond Diaz' tournament is ruined in one fell swoop. All he had to do was beat the winless Ryoma Muruyama and he was obviously looking beyond his opponent. This tournament was one of showing that Ryoma could stand with the big guns. This match was about him slaying a dragon
Rating: B- (75)

The announcers recap matches 7 and 8: Kozue Kawashima had talked a big game about winning the tournament the last few days but the Elite Series eludes him again, as Shuji Inukai ruins the run for Kozue and gives himself a claim at the Glory Crown. That leaves a decision match for the A Block and the new generation claims a victory over the first generation as PRIDE Koiso bookends his first day victory over the Glory Crown holder by getting the win he had to have to win the A Block
Rating: B (78)

The announcers then preview main event: PRIDE Koiso, the A Block winner will face Yoshimi Mushashibo, the B Block winner to decide the Elite Series. For PRIDE, this is a chance to stake his further claim at becoming the Ace of PGHW. To make his claim, he has to put possibly the final nail in the coffin of Mushashibo. For Yoshimi, this is far more personal than just reclaiming the throne he had to abdicate. He lost more than a year of his career when he shredded his knee dropping the Glory Crown to PRIDE in 2009. He's spent the last 2 years getting himself back to this place, and he gets to exorcise those very demons? This could not have worked out better for Yoshimi, but to get the storybook ending he has to win here tonight
Rating: C+ (68)

Yoshimi is given the Elite Series trophy and he speaks to the crowd, telling them that his journey to get to this point has been long and hard and he couldn't be more proud to become the first 3x Elite Series Champion. But this is only the first step. He hopes that Kozue Kawashima retains the Glory Crown until it is his time to challenge, because he's beaten the best of his generation. He's beaten PRIDE Koiso here tonight and washed away the shame of the last two years. Now he reclaims his rightful place, and he needs to face Kozue Kawashima at his best. So he implores Kozue to give his very best and Yoshimi will beat him at Night of GLORY
Rating: B (80)

Post-show Angle: The announcers talk about the final match, recapping just how physical and emotional this battle was. It was a match that swung back and forth but it was Yoshimi's desire to restore his pride and honor that brings him the glory of winning the Elite Series, and now he will be poised to face the Glory Crown Holder at Night of GLORY in July
Rating: C+ (68)

Post-show Angle: We go to the press area, where Yoshimi has just sat down to take questions. When asked what it means to finally get to face and defeat PRIDE Koiso on such a grand stage Yoshimi says that it was very important because just when he had proven without a shadow of a doubt that he was the best in PGHW not only did he lose his Glory Crown but he lost a year. Now he's finally proven that he's back and he will reclaim what is rightfully his.
When asked why he specifically called for Kozue to be the man he faces at Night of GLORY, Yoshimi reiterates that the man he has something to prove against is Kozue, who wants to claim the spot of Ace. That spot isn't available because the Yoshimi Mushashibo who held that spot is back. And he will be at full strength and prove it in July, after he's faced the men who beat him in this tournament: Mito Miwa and Nobuatsu Tatsuko
Rating: B- (72)

Post-show Angle: The announcers take some time to discuss who will get the first chance to face Yoshimi between Miwa and Tatsuko, then they talk about breakout performers: Seiji Jimbo, who settled in after early jitters to have a very strong tournament. Bussho Makiguchi who may not have had the results he was looking for but impressed as someone to watch in the next few years. Akinori Kwakami, who pulled wins over Miwa, Yasuda, and Tatsuko on his way to a very successful 4-3 record. And Masaru Ugaki who was the surprise member of the 8 point club, focusing on his victories over Shuji Inukai and Raymond Diaz as moments that stood out. They then thank the audience for watching the show and PGHW will be back on tour going into Night of FORTITUDE in April
Rating: B- (72)

Final Rating: B (78)

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

Pre-Show Angle: The announce team previews match 1: Looking at the cast of young lions and veterans that are trying to stake out their positions in the post-Elite Series world
Rating: C (61)

Pre-Show Angle: The announcers preview match 2: Specifically Diaz and Ryoma who are on a collision course, thanks to Ryoma's shocking upset on the final day of the Elite Series
Rating: C+ (69)

Pre-Show Angle: The announcers preview match 3: They focus on Miwa and Yoshimi, who will meet at Night of FORTITUDE, with Yoshimi's Glory Crown Challenge Rights on the line
Rating: B- (72)

Pre-Show Angle: The announcers preview match 4: They look at the team of Akinori, Yasuda and the Glory Tag Crown holders KitoGuchi, who are all looking for the respect of the fans and their senpai
Rating: C (60)

Pre-Show Angle: Announcers preview match 4: They then look at the team of PRIDE, Eisaku and Team Energy, Nobuatsu and Noriyori Sanda, the clear members of the establishment who are trying to hold the young generation off for just a little longer, and keep their spots
Rating: C (64)

Pre-Show Angle: The announcers preview match 5: They focus on the two upcoming championship pairings; The International title match between Seiji Jimbo & Bryan Holmes, and the Glory Crown match between Kozue Kawashima and Shuji Inukai. Kozue and Seiji both have something to prove, suffering losses to their opponents, and they have to overcome that momentum if they plan on retaining their titles
Rating: B- (75)

The announce team of Keiji Takeda, Sosa Morri, and Sadaharu Jumbo recap match 1: Reed and Matsuki do their best, but they aren't enough to keep the team afloat once the tactics of Team Toronto take over and overwhelm Glenn
Rating: D+ (50)

The announcers recap match 2: Raymond Diaz sends a strong message to his foe, Ryoma by taking the old codger Danger down with the Ray Gun, as he makes it clear that Ryoma is going to pay for ruining Raymond's Elite Series
Rating: C (62)

The announcers recap match 3: Yasuda and Akinori not only stand toe to toe with PRIDE and Eisaku, but they are able to take this first battle by isolating the young lion
Rating: C+ (67)

Announcers preview matches 4 and 5: They rehash most of the information from the pre-show discussion, talking about Miwa, Yoshimi, Kozue, Shuji, and Seiji
Rating: B- (75)

Kozue addresses the audience and Shuji after the match, noting his three things as usual. Skipping number one:

2). This match was nothing but a practice session because nobody in the ring right now is a threat to Kawashima
3). Inukai will learn at Night of FORTITUDE that Kawashima's generation has caught and surpassed him, and he will bow in deference to the Ace that leads that new generation and the man upon which the future of PGHW shall forever rest
Rating: B+ (83)

Final Rating: B- (72)

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

The announcers recap match 1: Danger watching all the young folk bounce around, but stepping in when they get out of line to pick up the win
Rating: D+ (50)

The announce team recaps match 2: Diaz continuing to build up momentum and look more than solid as Ryoma is just overwhelmed again
Rating: C+ (66)

The announcers recap match 3: Yoshimi and Mito only meet up to start the match, and Miwa stays mostly out of the way, which allows Yoshimi to dominate, with Miwa biding his time for Night of FORTITUDE
Rating: D+ (48)

The announcers preview match 4, looking at how Aknori, Yasuda & KitoGuchi want to bounce back from the other day
Rating: (75) (accidentally used the top match 4 guys)

The announce team previews match 4, focusing on PRIDE, Eisaku and Team Energy looking to continue their momentum towards Night of FORTITUDE
Rating: D (44) (accidentally used the match 5 guys)

The announcers preview match 5: Kozue, Bryan, Seiji, and Shuji have some new partners but the same issues between them and we'll see how that plays out tonight
Rating: C (64)

The announcers review match 1 and 2: Danger carrying the first match with his experience, while Ryoma finally strikes back at Diaz and builds a little momentum going into their match at Night of FORTITIUDE
Rating: E (27) (overness promo...)

The announce team reviews Match 3: Yoshimi wins again as Mito continues to sit back and wait
Rating: C+ (68)

The announcers preview match 4: Noting that Shuji Inukai is sitting out tonight's match, Shuji stated at the press conference for Night of FORTITUDE that he knows that he only has a few shots left in him and he has to focus and prepare to bring his full strength. He hopes the fans will be understanding of this, when he wins the Glory Crown again
Rating: B- (74)

The announcers preview match 5: The first generation continues to look strong and Sadaraharu especially wonders if the young contenders will finally be able to break through
Rating: C (63)

Pride & Eisaku taunt Akinori & Yasuda letting them know that they may have scored some victories in the B Block of the Elite Series, but they didn't face the real elite. This is what real strength looks like and they do not have it. And they will prove it at Night of FORTITUDE
Rating: C (60)

Final Rating: B- (71)

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

(4) International Title Match: Seiji Jimbo (7th Champion) vs. Bryan Holmes (Challenger)
2nd Defense
Holmes is the gaijin mainstay that doesn't matter. He's perfect fodder for the young champ to rebound from a rough Elite Series.

(5) Special Tag Match: Akinori Kwakami & Tetsunori Yasuda vs. Eisaku Kunomasu & PRIDE Koiso
There is just WAY too much firepower here for Kwakami & Yasuda to overcome. Main competition is between PRIDE and Kunomasu, as whomever picks up the decision is likely the next Glory Crown challenger.

(7) Glory Crown Challenge Rights Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo (Holder) vs. Mito Miwa (Challenger)
Yeah, because the guy who was popping E's by the end of the Elite Series is going to take the winner's rights. Sure....

(8) Glory Crown Match: Kozue Kawashima (17th Champion) vs. Shuji Inukai (Challenger)
Eight Defense
Much as I'm sure everyone would love to see Team Dynasty 2000 duke it out for the title, Kozue isn't laying down for anyone from the First Generation any time soon.

Pre-Show Match: Hirokumi Saito vs. Haranobu Kobayashi
Saito (5:01) via Saito Suplex followed by Single-Leg Boston Crab
The well traveled Saito gives a short wrestling lesson to the young heavyweight Haranobu, and he does him the honor of hitting his finisher before locking in the single-leg crab that ends the match
Rating: C (61)

Pre-Show Match: SATO & Tanyu Toshusai vs. Shiba Mizoguchi & Tsurayuki Kamachi
SATO (9:14) via Wind Sprint Forearm on Kamachi
SATO and Tanyu show great form against the touring talent Shiba and Kamachi, and SATO picks up his first pinfall victory as a member of the PGHW roster here tonight in the pre-show
Rating: C- (54)

Pre-Show Angle: We then have the announcers lead in a pre-taped promo package featuring Shuji Inukai. It highlights his career in PGHW: Shuji is simply, one of the most decorated champions PGHW has ever known. Winning the historical Japan title twice, once holding the Glory Tag Crown and five times winning the Elite Tag Series with Yoshimi Mushashibo, winning the Elite Series twice and holding the Glory Crown a record tying 3 times. He speaks highly of his partnership and friendship with Yoshimi and how much it would mean to him to win at Night of FORTITUDE. He would erase the defeat he suffered in December 2011, when Kozue took the Glory Crown from him. It would give him a record fourth reign as the Glory Crown holder, and it would put him in line to face his friend Yoshimi at Night of GLORY in July. There is nobody he would be more honored to face at one of the namesake shows of the company, than the man he has led this company with. He knows first hand how strong Kozue Kawashima is, but he beat him at Night of PRIDE, and with the Glory Crown on the line, he will prove that he can beat him again
Rating: B- (74)

The announce team of Keiji Takeda, Sosa Morri and Sadaharu Jimbo open the show, welcoming the audience to PGHW Night of FORITITUDE
Rating: C (64)

The announcers talk about Match 2: Masaru shows is strong form in the Elite Series isn't going away, as he controls the six way for the time he's in, and doles out the finish, taking down Simon Flemmingway
Rating: C- (54)

The announce team talks about Matches 3 and 4: They focus on the dominating run Team Toronto had in the match, showing why they are still amongst the best teams in all of Japan, and it allowed Totoya to pull an upset by pinning the Historical Japan Champion, and putting himself in line to receive a title shot.
The Announcers then talk about the very shocking end to the Seiji Jimbo/Bryan Holmes match: The two made this match very personal and it ended up with the ref having to stop the match as late in the affair the two men go back and forth with forearm strikes, until Holmes catches Seiji right on the chin with the point of his elbow, knocking Seiji clear out. Jimbo is declared unable to continue and Holmes wins the International Championship
Rating: B- (74)

Announcers Preview Match 5: Four of the top competitors in this year's Elite Series are looking to build more momentum for themselves going forward. Eisaku and PRIDE do not normally tag up with each other, and are among the pack of wrestlers trying to distinguish themselves at the top of the heap in PGHW, but before they can get to that business, they have a couple of upstarts to deal with that want to upset the apple cart.
Akinori Kwakami has been the long time partner of Mito Miwa but his win on the final day of the Elite Series might have signaled a changing of the guard in terms of who the top member of the team is. Akinori wants this opportunity to show that he truly belongs on this stage with the best PGHW has to offer. Tetsunori Yasuda finding his way to Akinori Kwakami makes sense, as the two of them seem to be the obvious heirs to the lineage of Mito Miwa and Eisaku Hoshino. If they are going to show themselves as the second coming of that legendary duo, as they look to make their own mark on the history of PGHW, they'll have to show they deserve more opportunities like this one they've been afforded
Rating: B- (74)

The announcers Preview Match 6: Team Energy earned this title match on the strenght of Nobuatsu Tatsuko's Day 5 win over Bussho Makiguchi during the Elite Series. The tag champions are hoping to show that what happens in singles will not carry over when they meet up in a tag match with the Glory Tag Crown on the line. Their strength as a unit will over come the challenges in front of them, even if the challenge comes in the form of the former Elite Series champions/Glory Tag Crown holders. They will prove they are a part of the young generation that will write a new history to the PGHW record books
Rating: C (61)

The announce team then previews the Main Event Matches: The race to Night of GLORY heats up here, with Yoshimi Mushashibo putting his Glory Crown Challenge Rights on the line against his old rival Mito Miwa, while in the main event the Glory Crown is on the line when Kozue Kawahsima defends against the man who beat him on the final day of the Elite Series, Shuji Inukai
Rating: B- (74)

Akinori Kwakami & Tetsunori Yasuda vs. Eisaku Kunomasu & PRIDE Koiso
Eisaku (15:23) via Roll-Through Kunomasu Vice on Akinori
This match does get choppy as none of the four are regular partners, but the intensity and skill on display takes this match to another level. PRIDE and Tetsunori are especially testy with each other, with Yasuda being the protege of Eisaku Hoshino and PRIDE Koiso being the protege of Hoshino's hated rival Nobuatsu Tatsuko, but the match turns once Eisaku Kunomasu gets Akinori to himself and he is able to absorb what the young challenger puts on him and survives long enough to lock Akinori up with the Kunomasu Vice
Rating: B (79)

Eisaku & PRIDE show respect to Akinori & Yasuda after the match, acknowledging the effort they gave in this match and the fact that they will certainly have their day as worthy competitors, in time. Akinori and Yasuda fight through their disappointment to take the gesture in stride and hold their heads up high as they exit
Rating: C+ (67)

Glory Tag Crown Match
KitoGuchi - Chojiro Kitoaji & Bussho Makiguchi (21st Champions) vs. Team Energy - Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Noriyori Sanda (Challengers)
Fifth Defense
Chojiro (13:11) via Kitoaji Lariat on Sanda
This was a furious battle, as KitoGuchi wants to prove their worth against one of the strong established teams of PGHW and Team Energy does live up to their name, bringing quite the fight to the champions, but the pedigree of the young champions proves too much to be denied and Chojiro ends this affair with a rousing lariat on Sanda to win for his side
Rating: B (77)

We go to a hype video that fleshes out the history that Mito Miwa and Yoshimi Mushashibo share in PGHW: As Yoshimi was battling to overcome likes of Eisaku Hoshino and Koryusai Kitoaji to become the Ace of PGHW, Mito Miwa was the second of Eisaku Hoshino, riding his star to his own level of success as the two battled Yoshimi and his tag partner Shuji Inukai (as well as Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz, and Alexander Robinson & Lee Bennett) for tag team supremacy as those four teams account for the first 10 and 12 of the 21 total Glory Tag Crown reigns. Once Eisaku Hoshino came at odds with and then left the company, it was left to Miwa to carry on their legacy and he did, finally winning the Elite Series in 2004 capturing the Glory Crown in January 2005, holding the title for 18 months. It was Yoshimi who ended that reign and began his record 3 year reign holding the Glory Crown, effectively slamming the door shut on the possibility of Miwa becoming the Ace that carried on Hoshino's legacy. Miwa has, since, found rebirth in the tag ranks with Akinori Kwakami, but this is his opportunity to return the favor to Yoshimi, and slam the door shut on Yoshimi reclaiming his ace status, by taking away the Elite Series Challenge Rights that promise him a Glory Crown match at Night of GLORY
Rating: C (61)

Glory Crown Challenge Rights MatchYoshimi Mushashibo (Holder) vs. Mito Miwa (Challenger)
Yoshimi (21:29) via Yoshimi Lock
Mito comes in guns blazing, and having decades of history with Yoshimi allows him to counteract all of Yoshimi's best offense. Yoshimi is a champion, through and through, and he is able to do the same to Miwa and this match becomes a battle of wills, and Yoshimi's desire to remove the blemish from his record is stronger than Miwa, and Miwa wilts down the stretch as Yoshimi finishes him off
Rating: B+ (83)

We go to a video package, featuring Kozue Kawashima and Shuji Inukai. It starts with Kozue's consistent rise to the top of PGHW, from being the one protege of Mito Miwa, to working his way up the card and growing his partnership with PRIDE Koiso that has led them both to great success as a team. Then his singles breakout is highlighted; Winning the 2010 Elite Series and his greatest accomplish of winning the Glory Crown in December 2011.
We stop on that night because the man Kozue beat to win the Glory Crown was the man he faces tonight, Shuji Inukai. Inukai is one of the men that had held the honor of the first generation up as his tag partner Yoshimi Mushashibo recovered from his debilitating knee injury in 2009 (Eisako Kunomasu being the other), but his greatest successes came from 1996-2007 when he and Mushashibo were constantly among the best teams in the world, and Inukai also found great success as a singles worker. He knows the twilight of his career will soon be here but he's not ready to hand anything over to the new generation, and he is looking towards battling his friend and partner with the Glory Crown on the line. And he will beat Kozue Kawashima to make that happen
Rating: B- (71)

As Kozue gathers himself and then celebrates surviving the challenge of Inukai, out comes Raymond Diaz. He goes into the ring and wastes no time challenging Kozue for the Glory Crown. He reminds everyone that he is part of the most dominant tag team in PGHW history. He's the only foreigner to ever win the Elite Series. He's the most dominating force that has ever come into PGHW, but there is one thing he has never done. He's never held the Glory Crown. And he's done waiting for his turn, because he's never waited for anything. He takes what he wants, and he wants the Glory Crown. So Kozue can forget the delusions of carrying the Glory Crown into Night of Glory because you are looking at the man who will defend that title at Night of GLORY. "The Monster" Raymond Diaz
Rating: B+ (83)

Kozue lets Diaz walk away as he makes his 3 statements

1). Besides being Kawahsima-san.
2). He is on his way to clearing up each mark on his record from the Elite Series. The first to fall was Shuji Inukai. The second will be Raymond Diaz, so of course he accepts Diaz' challenge. Then he will win at Night of GLORY, and after that he will settle his business with PRIDE Koiso.
3). His complete domination of PGHW is inevitable and unavoidable, so each and every contender may as well not even challenge him because nobody will be able to defeat the man upon which the future of PGHW shall forever rest
Rating: B+ (84)

Final Rating: B (81)

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

PGHW is proud to announce the partial card for the next major show on the calendar, Night of WARRIORS, scheduled for Sunday Week 2 May.

() Special Tag Match: Akinori Kwakami & Mito Miwa vs. Eisaku Kunomasu & PRIDE Koiso
Akinori challenges Eisaku and PRIDE again, this time with his true partner, Mito Miwa. Will their tag team experience make the difference, or is the talent of Eisaku and PRIDE too much to overcome?

() International Title Match: Bryan Holmes (8th Champion) vs. Seiji Jimbo (Challenger)
First Defense
Seiji will receive an immediate opportunity to regain the International Title after the controversial finish to their match at Night of FORTITUDE

() Glory Crown Challenge Rights Match: Yoshimi Mushashibo (Holder) vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko (Challenger)
Yoshimi gets this match, as Nobuatsu was the only other man to beat him during the Elite Series. This is Yoshimi's chance to wipe his slate clean going into Night of GLORY, if he can get past the Iron Man

() Glory Crown Match: Kozue Kawashima (17th Champion) vs. Raymond Diaz (Challenger)
Ninth Defense
The winner of this match will headline Night of GLORY, and Kozue wants to show his strength as an Ace. To do so, he'll have to push back against the challenge of the most decorated Gaijin in PGHW history, as Raymond Diaz looks to check off the one box he's been unable to so far in his career: Holding the Glory Crown

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

The announce team of Keiji Takeda, Sosa Morri & Sadaharu Jimbo open the show for the audience mentioning Raymond Diaz and Kozue Kawashima will face off for the first time after Diaz' challenge of Kozue, and on Diaz' side will be Kozue's tag team partner of PRIDE Koiso, for a showcase 6 man tag match, as the the Glory Crown holders will face them and Eisaku Kunomasu
Rating: B- (74)

Masaru celebrates his win, as he claims the right to challenge Holmes after getting the submission
Rating: C+ (69)

Intermission

The announcers review match 1: They focus on Eien and Totoya's tension as they jockey for position going into the Historical Japan title match at Night of WARRIRORS
Rating: C- (53)

The announcers review mach 2: Yasuda and Kwakami split apart and have a match going across from each other as they head their separate ways, and Yasuda gets a measure of victory as he picks up the pinfall, though not on Akinori himself
Rating: C- (54)

The announcers review Match 3: The big news here is Masaru making Bryan Holmes tap out to the Ugaki Clutch and making him the next in line at a shot at the International Championship, which you feel would have to be coming at Night of WARRIRORS
Rating: C (60)

The announce team previews match 4: Team Dynasty 2000 reunites, as Yoshimi and Shuji team up with the young SATO to take on Mito Miwa, who is paired up with former International Champion Seiji Jimbo and William Hayes in 6 man tag action
Rating: B- (73)

The announcers preview match 5: The main event features 6 of the top guys currently in PGHW, and it will be interesting to see the dynamic of Kozue standing across from 3 of the top challengers for the Glory Crown, all at the same time. Will he handle the pressure like a champion?
Rating: B (82)

Interesting that you're setting up an International title match after already announcing that Jimbo is getting a rematch.

Anyway, haven't commented in a bit. Night of FORTITUDE was ballin', and I definitely hadn't paid enough attention to the Elite Series results to see Raymond Diaz coming as challenger. With PRIDE & Kunomasu waiting on the other side of Night of GLORY, it's going to be tough to pick against the champion, even if it is against the Ace.